Abstract: The mechanism of abiotic stress tolerance is crucial
for plants to survive in harsh condition and the knowledge of this
mechanism can be use to solve the problem of declining productivity
of plants or crops around the world. However in-depth description is
still unclear and it is argued, in particular that there is a relationship
between high salinity tolerance and the ability to tolerate high light
condition. In this study, Dunaliella salina, which can withstand high
salt was used as a model. Chlorophyll fluorometer for nonphotochemical
quenching (NPQ) measurement and high-performance
liquid chromatography for pigment determination was used. The
results show that NPQ value and the amount of pigment were
increased along with the levels of salinity. However, it establish a
clear relationship between high salt and high light but the further
study to optimized the solutions mentioned above is still required.
Abstract: The concentrations of As, Hg, Co, Cr and Cd were
tested for each soil sample, and their spatial patterns were analyzed
by the semivariogram approach of geostatistics and geographical
information system technology. Multivariate statistic approaches
(principal component analysis and cluster analysis) were used to
identify heavy metal sources and their spatial pattern. Principal
component analysis coupled with correlation between heavy metals
showed that primary inputs of As, Hg and Cd were due to
anthropogenic while, Co, and Cr were associated with pedogenic
factors. Ordinary kriging was carried out to map the spatial patters of
heavy metals. The high pollution sources evaluated was related with
usage of urban and industrial wastewater. The results of this study
helpful for risk assessment of environmental pollution for decision
making for industrial adjustment and remedy soil pollution.
Abstract: Bicycle configuration is not as large as those of motorcycles or automobiles, while it indeed composes a complicated dynamic system. People-s requirements on comfortability, controllability and safety grow higher as the research and development technologies improve. The shock absorber affects the vehicle suspension performances enormously. The absorber takes the vibration energy and releases it at a suitable time, keeping the wheel under a proper contact condition with road surface, maintaining the vehicle chassis stability. Suspension design for mountain bicycles is more difficult than that of city bikes since it encounters dynamic variations on road and loading conditions. Riders need a stiff damper as they exert to tread on the pedals when climbing, while a soft damper when they descend downhill. Various switchable shock absorbers are proposed in markets, however riders have to manually switch them among soft, hard and lock positions. This study proposes a novel design of the bicycle shock absorber, which provides automatic smooth tuning of the damping coefficient, from a predetermined lower bound to theoretically unlimited. An automatic quick releasing valve is involved in this design so that it can release the peak pressure when the suspension fork runs into a square-wave type obstacle and prevent the chassis from damage, avoiding the rider skeleton from injury. This design achieves the automatic tuning process by innovative plunger valve and fluidic passage arrangements without any electronic devices. Theoretical modelling of the damper and spring are established in this study. Design parameters of the valves and fluidic passages are determined. Relations between design parameters and shock absorber performances are discussed in this paper. The analytical results give directions to the shock absorber manufacture.
Abstract: The uses of road map in daily activities are numerous
but it is a hassle to construct and update a road map whenever there
are changes. In Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, research on Automatic
Road Extraction (ARE) was explored to solve the difficulties in
updating road map. The research started with using Satellite Image
(SI), or in short, the ARE-SI project. A Hybrid Simple Colour Space
Segmentation & Edge Detection (Hybrid SCSS-EDGE) algorithm
was developed to extract roads automatically from satellite-taken
images. In order to extract the road network accurately, the satellite
image must be analyzed prior to the extraction process. The
characteristics of these elements are analyzed and consequently the
relationships among them are determined. In this study, the road
regions are extracted based on colour space elements and edge details
of roads. Besides, edge detection method is applied to further filter
out the non-road regions. The extracted road regions are validated by
using a segmentation method. These results are valuable for building
road map and detecting the changes of the existing road database.
The proposed Hybrid Simple Colour Space Segmentation and Edge
Detection (Hybrid SCSS-EDGE) algorithm can perform the tasks
fully automatic, where the user only needs to input a high-resolution
satellite image and wait for the result. Moreover, this system can
work on complex road network and generate the extraction result in
seconds.
Abstract: A genetic algorithm (GA) based feature subset
selection algorithm is proposed in which the correlation structure of
the features is exploited. The subset of features is validated according
to the classification performance. Features derived from the
continuous wavelet transform are potentially strongly correlated.
GA-s that do not take the correlation structure of features into
account are inefficient. The proposed algorithm forms clusters of
correlated features and searches for a good candidate set of clusters.
Secondly a search within the clusters is performed. Different
simulations of the algorithm on a real-case data set with strong
correlations between features show the increased classification
performance. Comparison is performed with a standard GA without
use of the correlation structure.
Abstract: This study investigates the roles of knowledge
acquisition, absorptive capacity, and innovation capability in finance
and manufacturing industries. With 362 valid questionnaires from
manufactures and financial industries in Taiwan, we examine the
relationships between absorptive capacity, knowledge acquisition and
innovation capability using a structural equation model. The results
indicate that absorptive capacity is the mediator between knowledge
acquisition and innovation capability, and that knowledge acquisition
has a positive effect on absorptive capacity.
Abstract: According to the theory of capital structure, this paper uses principal component analysis and linear regression analysis to study the relationship between the debt characteristics of the private listed companies in Jiangsu Province and their business performance. The results show that the average debt ratio of the 29 private listed companies selected from the sample is lower. And it is found that for the sample whose debt ratio is lower than 80%, its debt ratio is negatively related to corporate performance, while for the sample whose debt ratio is beyond 80%, the relationship of debt financing and enterprise performance shows the different trends. The conclusions reflect the drawbacks may exist that the debt ratio is relatively low and having not take full advantage of debt governance effect of the private listed companies in Jiangsu Province.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the
relationships among students- process of study, creative self-efficacy
and creativity while attending college. A total of 60 students enrolled
in Hsiuping Institute of Technology in central Taiwan were selected as
samples for the study. The instruments for this study included three
questionnaires to explore the aforesaid aspects.
This researchers tested creative self-efficacy and process of study,
and creativity with Pearson correlation and hierarchical regression
analyses. The major findings of this research are (1) the process of
study had direct positive predictability on creativity, and (2) the
relationship between process of study and creativity is partially
mediated by creative self-efficacy.
Abstract: There are four challenges of sustainable development
and in corporate level sustainability management-s role is to answer
for ecological sustainability challenge, social sustainability challenge,
economic sustainability challenges to environment and social
management and integration challenge of corporate sustainable
challenges by the help of different concepts, methods, instruments,
which are in the toolbox of sustainability management. These
instruments, concepts have different relevance in these challenges,
and according to different literatures environmental management is
outside of social and integration challenge. Main aim of this paper is
to represent the answer for the question that: is it true that social and
integration point of view is outside of the concept environmental
accounting? Using literature review and primer research at the end of
the paper the answer will be confirmed.
Abstract: Nowadays, several techniques such as; Fuzzy
Inference System (FIS) and Neural Network (NN) are employed for
developing of the predictive models to estimate parameters of water
quality. The main objective of this study is to compare between the
predictive ability of the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System
(ANFIS) model and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model to
estimate the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) on data from 11
sampling sites of Saen Saep canal in Bangkok, Thailand. The data is
obtained from the Department of Drainage and Sewerage, Bangkok
Metropolitan Administration, during 2004-2011. The five parameters
of water quality namely Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Chemical Oxygen
Demand (COD), Ammonia Nitrogen (NH3N), Nitrate Nitrogen
(NO3N), and Total Coliform bacteria (T-coliform) are used as the
input of the models. These water quality indices affect the
biochemical oxygen demand. The experimental results indicate that
the ANN model provides a higher correlation coefficient (R=0.73)
and a lower root mean square error (RMSE=4.53) than the
corresponding ANFIS model.
Abstract: The cyberspace is an instrument through which
internet users could get new experiences. It could contribute to foster
one-s own growth, widening cognitive, creative and communicative
abilities and promoting relationships. In the cyberspace, in fact, it is
possible to create virtual learning communities where internet users
improve their interpersonal sphere, knowledge and skills. The main
element of e-learning is the establishment of online relationships, that
are often collaborative.
Abstract: Information and communication technology (ICT) has
become, within a very short time, one of the basic building blocks of
modern society. Many countries now understanding the importance
of ICT and mastering the basic skills and concepts of it as part of the
core of education. Organizations, experts and practitioners in the
education sector increasingly recognizing the importance of ICT in
supporting educational improvement and reform. This paper
addresses the convergence of ICT and education. When two
technologies are converging to each other, together they will generate
some great opportunities and challenges. This paper focuses on these
issues. In introduction section, it explains the ICT, education, and
ICT-enhanced education. In next section it describes need of ICT in
education, relationship between ICT skills and education, and stages
of teaching learning process. The next two sections describe
opportunities and challenges in integrating ICT in education. Finally
the concluding section summaries the idea and its usefulness.
Abstract: Regulatory relationships of 686 intronic miRNA and 784 intergenic miRNAs with mRNAs of 51 intronic miRNA coding genes were established. Interaction features of studied miRNAs with 5'UTR, CDS and 3'UTR of mRNA of each gene were revealed. Functional regions of mRNA were shown to be significantly heterogenous according to the number of binding sites of miRNA and to the location density of these sites.
Abstract: Using a texture database, a statistical estimation of
spring-back was conducted in this study on the basis of statistical
analysis. Both spring-back in bending deformation and experimental
data related to the crystal orientation show significant dispersion.
Therefore, a probabilistic statistical approach was established for the
proper quantification of these values. Correlation was examined
among the parameters F(x) of spring-back, F(x) of the buildup fraction
to three orientations after 92° bending, and F(x) at an as-received part
on the basis of the three-parameter Weibull distribution. Consequent
spring-back estimation using a texture database yielded excellent
estimates compared with experimental values.
Abstract: This research aims to study employment trends in
printing industry for prepress support by Suan Sunandha University
Fund. The objectives of this research are to explain the trends of the
employment in Thai Printing Industry for prepress in Bangkok and
the description of different personnel that prepress entrepreneur need
and also the problems of employment.
The population of prepress entrepreneurs is about 100
organizations in the area of Bangkok. The questionnaires has been
taken and analyzed with SPSS program by using the average
percentage and standard deviation.
This research is multiple case studies. The conceptual framework
is developed on the basis of the open systems theory.
The research result show that
1. The most of prepress entrepreneur have trend to choose the
employee by any sex, the age 25-29 years old, bachelor degree
and have 1-2 years experience.
2. The most problems are the understanding in job,
communication/relation and the understanding in new
technology.
3. The trends aims to employment in 1-3 years have 57.8% for
prepress industry in Bangkok.
This research suggests that:
1. Thai printing industry for prepress in Bangkok need quality
employee that expert in printing technology.
2. Prepress entrepreneur should have agreement to development
with university for practice the employee.
3. Prepress entrepreneur should support personal to fulfill the
knowledge.
Abstract: The modern Kazakh society is characterized by strengthen cross-cultural communication, the emergence of new powerful subcultures, accelerated change in social systems and values. The socio-political reforms in all fields have changed the quality of social relationships and spiritual life.Cross-cultural approach involves the analysis of different types of behavior and communication, including the manifestation of the conflict, and the formation of marginal destructive stereotypes.
Abstract: Fast forecasting of stock market prices is very important for
strategic planning. In this paper, a new approach for fast forecasting of
stock market prices is presented. Such algorithm uses new high speed
time delay neural networks (HSTDNNs). The operation of these
networks relies on performing cross correlation in the frequency
domain between the input data and the input weights of neural
networks. It is proved mathematically and practically that the number
of computation steps required for the presented HSTDNNs is less
than that needed by traditional time delay neural networks
(TTDNNs). Simulation results using MATLAB confirm the
theoretical computations.
Abstract: An experimental and numerical study has been conducted to clarify heat transfer characteristics and effectiveness of a cross-flow heat exchanger employing staggered wing-shaped tubes at different angels of attack. The water-side Rew and the air-side Rea were at 5 x 102 and at from 1.8 x 103 to 9.7 x 103, respectively. The tubes arrangements were employed with various angles of attack θ1,2,3 from 0° to 330° at the considered Rea range. Correlation of Nu, St, as well as the heat transfer per unit pumping power (ε) in terms of Rea, design parameters for the studied bundle were presented. The temperature fields around the staggered wing-shaped tubes bundle were predicted by using commercial CFD FLUENT 6.3.26 software package. Results indicated that the heat transfer was increased by increasing the angle of attack from 0° to 45°, while the opposite was true for angles of attack from 135° to 180°. The best thermal performance and hence η of studied bundle was occurred at the lowest Rea and/or zero angle of attack. Comparisons between the experimental and numerical results of the present study and those, previously, obtained for similar available studies showed good agreements.
Abstract: In this paper we propose a method for vision systems
to consistently represent functional dependencies between different
visual routines along with relational short- and long-term knowledge
about the world. Here the visual routines are bound to visual properties
of objects stored in the memory of the system. Furthermore,
the functional dependencies between the visual routines are seen
as a graph also belonging to the object-s structure. This graph is
parsed in the course of acquiring a visual property of an object to
automatically resolve the dependencies of the bound visual routines.
Using this representation, the system is able to dynamically rearrange
the processing order while keeping its functionality. Additionally, the
system is able to estimate the overall computational costs of a certain
action. We will also show that the system can efficiently use that
structure to incorporate already acquired knowledge and thus reduce
the computational demand.
Abstract: This paper discusses applications of a revolutionary
information technology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), in
the field of the history of cartography by examples, including
assessing accuracy of early maps, establishing a database of places
and historical administrative units in history, integrating early maps
in GIS or digital images, and analyzing social, political, and
economic information related to production of early maps. GIS
provides a new mean to evaluate the accuracy of early maps. Four
basic steps using GIS for this type of study are discussed. In addition,
several historical geographical information systems are introduced.
These include China Historical Geographic Information Systems
(CHGIS), the United States National Historical Geographic
Information System (NHGIS), and the Great Britain Historical
Geographical Information System. GIS also provides digital means to
display and analyze the spatial information on the early maps or to
layer them with modern spatial data. How GIS relational data
structure may be used to analyze social, political, and economic
information related to production of early maps is also discussed in
this paper. Through discussion on these examples, this paper reveals
value of GIS applications in this field.